Ray Price – For The Good Times

Song written by Kris Kristofferson, was recorded for the first time by Bill Nash in August 1968 for the Smash label. Kris recorded the song in 1969 and was released in the early 1970s, for his first work, Kristofferson (Monument 1970). Ray Price, also recorded this song, on May 26, 1970, the song was released in June 1970, and reached number one on the country charts, on September 19, 1970, it remained 19 weeks on the list, and it was the fifth number one for Ray, the song would be included on the album, For the good times (Columbia 1970). The song establishes Kristofferson as one of the best composers of country and popular music, while he gives Price his first country and western song in the first 11 years.

At the 1971 Country Music Academy Awards, “For the Good Times” won in the “Song of the Year” category (for Kristofferson as a songwriter) and “Single of the Year” (for Ray Price).

“For the Good Times” continued being recorded by several artists in later years, until reaching popular success.

Story behind the song:

Kristofferson wrote most of the song in 1968 during a road trip related to work from Nashville to the Gulf of Mexico. He tells the end of a love story, based on a real-life experience of him, in a way that popular music scholar Steve Sullivan said “conveys sadness, acceptance and longing.”

Some Versions:
Bill Nash 1968 (Smash records)
Dean Martin 1970 (Reprise Records)
Chet Atkins 1971 (RCA Victor)
Perry Como 1973 (RCA Victor)
Bobby Bare 1974 (Ember Records)
Albert West 1975 (CBS)
Willie Nelson 1979(Columbia)
Aaron Neville 1995 (A & M Records)

Ray Price – For The Good Times lyrics

Don’t look so sad, I know it’s over
But life goes on and this old world will keep on turning
Let’s just be glad we had some time to spend together
There’s no need to watch the bridges that we’re burning

Lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body close to mine
Hear the whisper of the rain drops flowing soft against the window
And make believe you love me one more time
For the good times

I’ll get along, you’ll find another
And I’ll be here if you should find you ever need me
Don’t say a word about tomorrow or forever
There’ll be time enough for sadness when you leave me

Lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body close to mine
Hear the whisper of the rain drops flowing soft against the window
And make believe you love me one more time
For the good times